New figures show 670 pensioners in Southend West hit by 87p state pension rise

Cllr Julian Ware-Lane has called on David Cameron to be open and honest with pensioners after new figures showed 670 pensioners in Southend West are set to receive a rise in the state pension of 87p.

On 4th December 2014 the government announced the state pension would rise by £2.85 a week. But in the following days ministers were forced to admit up to 1.6 million pensioners would see a rise of just 87p in their state pension income.

Julian said, “The government promised the state pension would rise by £2.85 in April next year but 670 pensioners in Southend West will receive a rise of just 87p. David Cameron’s government have not been open and honest with pensioners in Southend West about the state pension, saying one thing and doing another. It’s time for the government to treat Southend West pensioners with respect and be upfront about the value of their pensions.”

Labour’s shadow pensions minister, Gregg McClymont, said, “1.6 million pensioners who have done the right thing, worked hard and saved for a pension have been let down by the government. It’s time for David Cameron to come clean with pensioners in Southend West and across the country about the future value of their state pension.”

Who is affected?

People who claim the Savings Credit element of pension credit, which is being reduced.

Rather than being fair to a group of pensioners who have saved all their life to enjoy a little extra security in retirement, David Cameron’s government has instead penalised these savers for their thriftiness.